The Chairman of the Plateau State Independent Electoral Commission (PLASIEC), Mr. Plangji Daniel Cishak, has officially announced that Plateau State will host the 13th National Delegates Conference of the Forum of State Independent Electoral Commissions of Nigeria (FOSIECON). The three-day event is scheduled to take place from May 21 to 23, 2025, in Jos, the capital of Plateau State.
Speaking during a press briefing held on May 13, 2025, Mr. Cishak emphasized the importance of the media in shaping public opinion and fostering democratic accountability. He commended journalists and media professionals for their role in ensuring transparency and credibility during the October 2024 local government elections in the state.
“The media has been strategic partners in our democratic journey. Your balanced reporting and commitment to truth played a significant role in building public trust during the last local elections,” he said.
With the theme, “Local Government Elections in Nigeria: Issues, Challenges and Opportunities,” the conference aims to foster dialogue on strengthening grassroots democracy. According to Cishak, over 300 delegates—including chairmen, commissioners, and secretaries from State Independent Electoral Commissions (SIECs) across the country—are expected to attend.
The opening ceremony will be chaired by His Majesty, the Gbong Gwom Jos, Da Jacob Gyang Buba, and will feature participation from three serving governors, members of the National Assembly, and representatives of the Forum of Nigerian House of Assembly Speakers.
Mr. Cishak also acknowledged the support of DAI International Development for its contributions to electoral reform and civic engagement. He noted that PLASIEC has made deliberate efforts to strengthen its institutional capacity through infrastructure development, training programmes, and internal reforms.
While addressing concerns about the relevance of SIECs, Cishak warned against scrapping the institutions, arguing that such a move would be unconstitutional and detrimental to grassroots democracy. Instead, he advocated for reform, standardisation, and capacity-building to enhance their effectiveness.
He concluded by urging the media to give the forthcoming conference the attention it deserves. “This is more than a gathering of officials—it is a national platform for reflection, innovation, and progress in local electoral administration,” he said.
The Chairman assured that Plateau is fully prepared to host the nation and reaffirmed PLASIEC’s commitment to integrity, transparency, and electoral justice.
